Western Cape Education Department responds to Vista High School learners' protest

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has responded to claims made that learners from Vista High School in Cape Town were not having their concerns addressed. 

Learners from the school took to the streets of the Cape Town CBD on Tuesday in protest, stating that repeated attempts to have their concerns addressed were ignored. 

The ANC Caucus in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature said it was concerned by these claims. 

The opposition said on August 21, 2025, learners wrote to the school principal highlighting challenges such as the high teacher turnover rate, the absence of a clear plan to restore and improve academic performance, and the lack of academic and emotional support to help them recover from instability in teaching and learning. 

They also called for transparent communication between the school, learners, and parents. Despite engaging the WCED on August 29, 2025, learners felt that their concerns remained unresolved and that no concrete interventions had been introduced to improve the quality of education at Vista High

During the protest, learners met with the ANC Chief Whip in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Ayanda Bans, who committed to raising the urgent matter with the WCED as he also serves on the Standing Committee for Education. 

“It is deeply troubling that learners feel compelled to protest for their constitutional right to quality education. At the same time, the ANC Caucus commends them for their courage in standing up for their future,” the ANC Caucus said. 

They further called on the  WCED to intervene decisively at Vista High School by stabilising the teaching environment, developing a recovery plan for learners, and ensuring accountability in restoring quality education, and said no learner should be denied the opportunity to succeed because of administrative failures. 

However, Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for Education MEC David Maynier, said it was alarming to see the ANC condoning ill-discipline and disruptions of schooling. 

“It is alarming to see the ANC condoning ill-discipline and disruptions of schooling. Such political intervention in disciplinary matters is highly inappropriate, especially when the WCED has already had productive engagements with learners and the school,” Mauchline said. 

She further said: “The group of learners causing the disruption is reportedly not the same group that has been engaging with the WCED about concerns.”

Officials from the WCED visited the school on Wednesday morning, where they met with parents on the academic improvement plans and behaviour. 

The WCED’s Director of Communications, Bronagh Hammond, said Grade 12 learners were able to write examinations on Wednesday and teaching and learning could continue for other grades. 

“There remained a small group of learners who refused to enter the school. Tomorrow [Thursday], district officials will be addressing learners grade by grade to discuss academic interventions and catch-up plans,” Hammond said. 

The WCED confirmed that Vista High School has been identified as an underperforming school following their Grade 12 NSC results last year. 

“An academic improvement plan has been developed to improve learner outcomes. This includes teacher development programmes, telematics programme, Back on Track programme and after-school, weekend and holiday tutoring programmes. The WCED is also providing counselling support,” she said. 

While no disruptions are expected for Thursday, Hammond added that disciplinary actions will be taken against those who continue to disturb the school day. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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